Chiayi City Ponds International Marathon – Elite Race 2026

Chiayi City Ponds International Marathon – Elite Race 2026 is the second edition of Chiayi City’s performance-focused marathon, taking place on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Organised by Chiayi City Government, the event is listed by AIMS and uses an internationally certified course. The inaugural 2025 race drew 1,611 runners, including 54 international athletes from 13 countries, and the 2026 edition continues the emphasis on competitive road running rather than a casual fun-run format.

The programme consists of a 42.195 km marathon and a 21.0975 km half marathon, each capped at 1,000 runners. Chiayi City Stadium is the event hub. The marathon starts at 06:00 and has a six-hour limit; the half marathon starts at 06:20 with a 3 hour 30 minute limit. The start gate closes at 06:30 and the course closes at 12:00.

The “Twin Ponds” identity comes from the route’s connection with Lantan and Renyitan reservoirs. Organiser and city material describes a course mixing reservoir scenery, green hills and urban sections, with rolling terrain rather than a completely flat city course. The certified route is designed for competitive performances while also showcasing two of Chiayi’s best-known waterside landscapes.

General registration ran until 23:59 on 27 August 2026, subject to earlier sell-out. Entry cost TWD 1,380 for the marathon and TWD 1,180 for the half marathon. Each distance reserved 150 priority places for runners meeting published qualifying standards from recent AIMS-certified or World Athletics Label races.

Race materials, including the commemorative singlet and bib with disposable timing chip, are mailed about a week before the event; runners do not need an additional race-day check-in. Finishers receive a medal, commemorative tote bag, commemorative cape, water and an electronic certificate, with food differing by distance. The 2026 prize pool totals TWD 1,151,000, with expanded domestic top-10 awards and additional bonuses for new domestic event records.